The SNP Government has announced £7,973,000 to help people and nature thrive in some of the most deprived parts of Scotland.
The latest round of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)’s ambitious Green Infrastructure Fund will support seven major projects in cities and towns across the central belt, with the aim of tackling socio-economic issues such as poor health and high unemployment.
This funding is also intended to help mitigate the impacts of climate change through creating and improving greenspaces in urban communities.
The latest projects will improve habitats and biodiversity, transform derelict land, tackle flood risk and create new active travel routes, community gardens and play areas.
The Green Infrastructure Fund is one of the Strategic Interventions included within the SNP Government’s current programme for the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020, which addresses economic and social imbalances between EU regions.
Announcing the funding, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP said:
“This investment will bring significant benefits to urban communities, repurposing and revitalising land to create green spaces and infrastructure which will not only make communities more attractive for people to live and work in, but also attract jobs, businesses and further investment.
“Crucially, this funding will also help address climate change by improving biodiversity, managing flood risk and reducing pollution, while promoting new low carbon lifestyle choices and active transport options in the heart of our communities.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Evidence shows that being connected with nature leads to happier and healthier communities, so I am delighted that this funding will deliver more green spaces in deprived communities across Scotland.
“From creating safer travel routes, to promoting biodiversity, to providing tranquil spaces for everyone to use and enjoy, the benefits of these projects will be far-reaching and long-term.
“Of course, I remain concerned that the UK Government is still no further forward in developing a replacement for the European funds that are facilitating these projects from 2014-2020.
“Prime Minister Boris Johnson must engage with the SNP Government as a matter of priority, given that we have already taken a pro-active approach to considering future funding schemes.”
To view the full list of projects receiving funding in this phase, please click here.
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